Cadillac Solitaire, 1989
The 1989 Cadillac Solitaire was essentially a two-door version of the 1988 Cadillac Voyage.
The
success of the 1988 Voyage sedan concept led Cadillac to develop this
two-door version, the 1989 Cadillac Solitaire concept car.
The 1988 Cadillac Voyage and 1989 Cadillac Solitaire concept car design
shared many traits, but the Solitaire coupe offered some unique
elements.
The Cadillac Solitaire’s electrically-powered doors, some of the longest in GM’s history, demanded the use of an articulated hinge. The Solitaire’s doors moved slightly forward as they opened. The keyless entry system could also be used to release the hood or trunk lid.
The Cadillac Solitaire’s electrically-powered doors, some of the longest in GM’s history, demanded the use of an articulated hinge. The Solitaire’s doors moved slightly forward as they opened. The keyless entry system could also be used to release the hood or trunk lid.
Surrounded by so much glass, riders could be excused for thinking they were in a convertible.
Seats traveled all the way forward to permit easy entry into the back
(unless they happen to be occupied, that is) then return to the
pre-selected position as the door shuts; and while the Voyage had 20
seat adjustments, the Solitaire added four more.
The Solitaire dashboard was a slightly modified version of the one in the Voyage sedan concept.
Some comfort-minded folks are never quite satisfied, it seems. Once
again, both heat and massage were available to soothe chilled or tired
muscles. Air bags mounted in the steering wheel, instrument panel, and
rear seatbacks were installed for each occupant.
Cadillac Solitaire, 1989
Mirrors disappeared completely, with only a set of video cameras
providing a view of oncoming traffic from the back, seen on a
liquid-crystal color video screen inside the car. Lack of stick-out
mirrors made a slight difference in aerodynamics, and a bigger
improvement in the Cadillac Solitaire concept car’s flush appearance.
Body-colored louvers, front and rear, created the illusion that the car
carried neither headlamps nor tail lamps.
Cadillac Solitaire, 1989
Under the hood of the Cadillac Solitaire, replacing the Voyage’s V-8,
lurked a dual-overhead-cam, 48-valve V-12 engine with port fuel
injection. Developed in conjunction with Lotus, the 6.6-liter powerplant
produced 430 horsepower, along with 470 pounds/feet of torque.
Computer-designed tires rode special 20-inch cast aluminum wheels.
Cadillac Solitaire, 1989
Prepared to carry four passengers in unheard-of swiftness and ease, the
Cadillac Solitaire was called "Cadillac’s vision of the ultimate in
road-car performance, comfort, convenience and style." Like its
predecessor, it was created to serve as a test vehicle, not just a
showpiece.
The
1988 Cadillac Voyage concept car (foreground) and the 1989 Cadillac
Solitaire concept car (background) were designed for high-speed travel.
Whether highways capable of ultra-fast speeds -- and humans capable of
handling them -- would ever emerge was an open question, of course. But a
look at either of Cadillac’s visions evoked a hope that such a day
would arrive soon, and that cars like these would be available for our
enjoyment.
